Administrator's Blog

Construction Begins on New Animal Shelter for Kalamazoo County

On Wednesday, September 5, 2018 Kalamazoo County Government put shovel to soil in the formal ground breaking ceremony of the new Kalamazoo County Animal Shelter. This long anticipated project received final approval by the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners on July 17, 2018. Kalamazoo County Administrator Tracie Moored initiated the ground breaking celebration to officially announce commencement of construction on the new facility. Ms. Moored stated, “This is truly an example of extraordinary governance.” County Vice Chair Dale Shugars thanked his fellow commissioners, the Animal Services Advisory Board and county staff for working together to make the project a reality.

Kalamazoo County Animal Services Board Chairperson, Sue Brodasky, who joined the Animal Services Advisory Board in 2006 indicated that building a new shelter has been an ongoing topic of conversation. She indicated, “This project is overdue. It is with great pride and a true sense of accomplishment that it is being realized today.” Brodasky congratulated Kalamazoo County administration, commissioners, staff, and volunteers for a job well done realizing this much needed enhancement for Kalamazoo County.

The existing 6,000 square foot Kalamazoo County Animal Shelter was constructed over 33 years ago and is lacking in its ability to accommodate the more than 3,000 animals it serves per year. The new shelter will comprise 15,552 square feet and will house up to 106 dogs and 74 cats at any given time. The new facility will place emphasis on the health and care of the animals. It also provides a wing that is solely dedicated to adoption services, includes a veterinary exam and treatment room, a food preparation room, a grooming room, outdoor walking and exercise areas, and two group cat rooms. The new Animal Shelter will be located at 1316 Lamont Avenue. The project budget is $5,000,000 and construction will be completed in July of 2019.

Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement Director Steve Lawrence stated, “The designed upgrades of the building will greatly improve the health and care of the animals housed in the shelter. We are very excited to have facilities dedicated for adoption, and are looking forward to helping healthy animals find their forever home.”